According to sources for Football Insider, Middlesbrough are aiming to secure a deal for Aston Villa forward Lewis Dobbin. Middlesbrough admire the 23-year-old English winger and are looking to sign the former Everton youth player on a permanent deal to strengthen their attacking options for the 2026-27 season. The club's interest in Dobbin is a result of his performance during a loan spell at Preston North End in the 2025-26 season, where he scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in 39 Championship matches. Dobbin, who joined Aston Villa in July 2024, has a contract with the club until June 2028 and has made two appearances for England's U19 team. Transfermarkt estimates his current market value to be €7.00m. Several other clubs, including Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion, have also been linked with the player.